I love making things. Artsy things. And I like to think I'm better than I really am. So when my friend Mary Lee invited me to a group activity in the Indianapolis Art Center glass studio - I ran home to change into 100% cotton clothes, head to toe. She'd warned me that synthetic materials would melt. Yes. Melt. On your body. The molten glass furnace reaches temperature upwards of 2000 degrees. Yea, that's a tad warm I'd say.
The talented artist instructors first explained and demonstrated to our group the process of making a glass heart paperweight - gather glass from the furnace. Keep it rotating. Form it. Gather more glass. Form it. Color it. Gather more glass. Oh keep it rotating! Shape it. They showed us. Twice. Then it was my turn. The molten glass was so bright from the heat that I could barely see it. And then I nearly dropped my gathering pole. And then I forgot to keep it rotating. Like I said - I like to think I'm better than I really am!
But this has to be one of the most fun things to do in Indianapolis!
And thankfully my artist instructor never left me completely on my own - you know, molten glass - I might have hurt somebody!
An hour later - we'd had some laughs and learned about the art of glass making. I for one have a new appreciation for the tremendous works of art found on the walls and the gift shop at the Indianapolis Art Center.
And the best news - anyone can do this. Group activities happen year round. What a perfect girls' day out, a unique birthday celebration or corporate team-building retreat. The glass heart paperweight activity is happening Jan. 12 - Feb. 12, 2009. Be sure to call 2 weeks in advance to make reservations for your group of 10-12 friends or coworkers. It's just $29 per person! What a unique Valentine's gift - hand-made [and heart-felt!]
And now - the final piece of art. What do you think - should ours be right there along with the other masterpieces?
The Indianapolis Art Center is located in the Broad Ripple cultural district, about 6 miles north of downtown Indianapolis.
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Posted by: Indianapolis Art Center on Wednesday, December 24, 2008
Karissa, You did an amazing job! Absolutely a master work of art. Here are some Group Art Activities folks can sign their groups up for. These are great for team-building, birthday parties or just get-togethers with your best pals. Call Amanda Walters, Tour Manager, at (317) 255-2464 ext. 249 to sign up now! Heart Glass Paper Weight For Valentine’s Day, a heart paperweight (standing up vs. flat). This group activity will allow time for each person to make their own glass heart and choose their colors. $29 per person. Groups can add copper accents for $39 per person. Items will need to be picked up at a later date (guaranteed by February 14th). January 12, 2009-Februrary 12, 2009. Glass Flowers ($28 per person) For Mother’s Day. Choose from many different colors to create the perfect gift. Items will need to be picked up at a later date (guaranteed by May 10th). April 2009 – May 2009. Paper Weight for Father’s Day ($28 per person) For Father’s Day. Create a glass paperweight. Each person will choose the shape and color of their project. Items will need to be picked up at a later date (guaranteed by June 21st). May 2009 – June 2009.